Indian-origin Briton charged for walking on track during Singapore GP

An Indian-origin Briton, who walked across the track during the Formula One Singapore grand prix, was today charged in a court here for committing a "rash act" that endangered the lives of drivers

Singapore: An Indian-origin Briton, who walked across the track during the Formula One Singapore grand prix, was today charged in a court here for committing a "rash act" that endangered the lives of drivers.

Yogvitam Pravin Dhokia, 27, was arrested by police for a rash act after he found his way onto the track in the Marina Bay Street Circuit on Sunday, the Channel News Asia reported. According to the charge sheet, Dhokia's rash act on Sunday night "endangered personal safety of the drivers". He was charged under Section 336(a) of the Penal Code, Chapter 224. Bail was set at 15,000 dollars and his passport was impounded.

Cars during the Singapore GP. Pic/ AFP

When told of the bail amount, Dhokia told District Judge Ronald Gwee: "15,000 dollars bail is too high for me. I'm not working currently. I spent all my savings on tickets. I don't really have that kind of money". The judge acceded to his request to make a phone call to an unknown party.

CCTV footage released hours after the race showed him entering via a gap in the fence. Clad in a T-shirt and shorts, Dhokia then crossed the track and walked against the flow of traffic before climbing back over the barrier.

His actions caused the safety car to be deployed and at least one driver, runner-up Daniel Ricciardo of Red Bull, said the man's intrusion affected the outcome of the race,according to the report. Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel won the race.

Race organisers Singapore Grand Prix are expected to submit a full report of the incident to the Federation Internationale De L'Automobile (FIA), motorsport's world governing body.

Dhokia is currently in remand. The case is adjourned for two weeks and the next hearing will be October 6. Fresh charges may be brought against him, the report added.